The much-discussed domain dispute over jiohotstar.com has concluded with an inspiring act of kindness. Dubai-based siblings, Jainam and Jivika, have voluntarily transferred the domain to Reliance Industries, free of cost. This decision comes after speculation and public interest surrounding the merger of Reliance Jio and Disney Hotstar. Let’s delve into the key developments and motivations behind this heartwarming resolution.

The Journey of JioHotstar.com
- Origin of the Domain
- Initially registered in 2022 by a Delhi-based app developer.
- Registered during speculation about the $8.5 billion Reliance Jio and Disney Hotstar merger.
- The developer hoped to sell it to fund his Cambridge University MBA studies.
- Failed Negotiations with Reliance
- The developer requested Reliance to sponsor his education in exchange for the domain.
- Reliance declined, prompting the developer to sell it to Jainam and Jivika, Dubai-based philanthropists.
- The Siblings’ Ownership
- Jainam and Jivika purchased the domain as an act of support for the developer’s educational aspirations.
- They maintained the website, promoting messages of kindness and service through their NGO platform, SevakArmy.com.

Why Did They Transfer the Domain?
A Voluntary Act of ‘Seva’
- The siblings clarified that their decision was entirely voluntary.
- They expressed their belief that the domain could benefit Reliance and aligned this act with their mission of spreading kindness.
No Pressure or Deal
- Speculations about financial transactions or external pressure were denied.
- The siblings stated, “There is no payment or deal of any kind. This is purely a transfer from our side.”
Reliance’s Legal Involvement
- Reliance’s intellectual property (IP) legal team contacted the siblings to facilitate the transfer.
- The process is set to conclude with a formal agreement, which the siblings will sign in Mumbai.
- After the agreement is signed, jiohotstar.com will be taken offline.
Impact of the Reliance-Disney Merger
A Media Giant Emerges
- The merger of Reliance Jio and Disney Hotstar has created one of India’s largest media and entertainment entities.
- The venture, chaired by Nita Ambani, is expected to generate annual revenues of ₹26,000 crore.
Domain’s Strategic Value
- While Reliance hasn’t commented on whether it will use the domain, the alignment with the merger makes it a potentially valuable digital asset.
Siblings’ Continued Mission
SevakArmy.com: A Platform for Kindness
- Jainam and Jivika launched SevakArmy.com, aiming to inspire acts of kindness globally.
- Their ambitious goal includes mobilizing 100,000 volunteers to contribute 20 hours of service annually, equating to 2 million hours of community service.
Message to Supporters
- In their farewell statement on the website, they urged supporters to continue spreading positivity: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Speculations and Clarifications
Addressing Rumors
- Public interest in the domain grew after its registration coincided with the Reliance-Disney merger.
- Jainam and Jivika denied any involvement in business deals or controversies, emphasizing their focus on service and kindness.
Offers Declined
- The siblings revealed they had received multiple offers for the domain but consistently refused to sell it.
Specifications of the Domain Dispute
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Original Registrant | Delhi-based app developer |
Purpose | Funding education at Cambridge University |
Domain Transfer | From developer to Jainam and Jivika, then to Reliance |
Transfer Conditions | Voluntary, free of cost, with no external pressure |
Legal Formalities | Agreement to be signed in Mumbai |
New Owner | Reliance Industries |
Current Status | Domain to be taken offline post-transfer |
Takeaways from the Dispute
- Corporate Accountability
- The incident highlights the role of intellectual property in corporate strategies.
- Philanthropy in Action
- Jainam and Jivika’s generosity reflects how business decisions can also serve broader societal goals.
- Digital Assets in the Spotlight
- Domain names, once overlooked, are now vital strategic assets in the digital age.
A Heartfelt Goodbye
As jiohotstar.com transitions into Reliance’s hands, Jainam and Jivika leave behind a legacy of generosity and purpose. Their journey with the domain may be over, but their commitment to kindness continues. Through their new platform, SevakArmy.com, they aim to inspire individuals worldwide to contribute to meaningful change.
This resolution serves as a reminder that even in a world driven by commerce, acts of selflessness and service still have the power to create ripples of positive impact.